CVE-2024-9287: A vulnerability has been found in the CPython `venv` module and CLI where path names provided when creating a

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HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2024-9287 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting python. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A vulnerability has been found in the CPython `venv` module and CLI where path names provided when creating a virtual environment were not quoted properly, allowing the creator to inject commands into virtual environment "activation" scripts (ie "source venv/bin/activate"). This means that attacker-controlled virtual environments are able to run commands when the virtual environment is activated. Virtual environments which are not created by an a

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 49%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-428, CWE-77
Published	2024-10-22
Last modified	2026-10-30

Publisher (CNA): Python Software Foundation · Vendor: python

Last updated 2026-10-30 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-10-22 17:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-30 11:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

python python UPGRADE

Affected: < 3.9.21 · >= 3.10.0 and < 3.10.16 · >= 3.11.0 and < 3.11.11 · >= 3.12.0 and < 3.12.8 · >= 3.13.0 and < 3.13.1 · 3.14.0 alpha1

Fixed in: 3.9.21, 3.10.16, 3.11.11, 3.12.8, 3.13.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.10.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy python || rpm -q python || python --version

2. UPGRADE to 3.9.21 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade python

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade python

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.10.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison python sudo apt install python=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.10.0> sudo apt-mark hold python

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list python sudo dnf downgrade python-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.10.0> sudo dnf versionlock add python

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2024-9287?

python: upgrade to 3.9.21, 3.10.16, 3.11.11, 3.12.8, 3.13.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2024-9287 being exploited?

CVE-2024-9287 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2024-9287 affect?

CVE-2024-9287 affects python. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). A vulnerability has been found in the CPython `venv` module and CLI where path names provided when creating a virtual environment were not quoted properly, allowing the creator to inject commands into virtual environment "activation" script

How urgent is CVE-2024-9287?

Priority 40/100. High severity

Software pages

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References

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